How long for Lexapro to work

Hi everyone,

This is going to sound stupid, but Ive already been on Lexapro a few times and it ended up working for me, although each time was different (I only got off thinking I didn't need it anymore). Well, now Ive learned my lesson and will stay on it indefinitely, if possible because going through the anxiety and start up is hell. But of course, being in the panicked, excessive worrying state like we all get when our anxiety is bad, Im of course questioning why it hasn't started working yet. Im on 10 mgs for almost 5 weeks now. In my past experiences, I upped it to 15 mgs at 5 weeks and then after another 3 weeks went to 20 (and that ended up working but hated how I felt). Another time I was successful after taking 10 mgs for 3 weeks and then upped it to 15 and a few months later it finally worked. And yet two other times I was able to stay at 10 bc it worked after only about a month. I just hate the way I feel (even with the Xanax to counter the beginning) and just looking for others who had the experience where it did work for them even if after some time.

Thanks so much for all that you guys do to make this forum and answer questions for those of us who are going through tough times.
Maria

I was thinking that was a possibility, but took it four times before and can't imagine it working four times and not five. Plus I know I've played this game before and always feel like its never going to work but then it does. I am praying it will do it again bc I cannot imagine trying something new.

Maria,

I've taken it, but I never really notice how long things take to work. You may be able to do a search for 'Lexapro' here and find what you're looking for.

I'm hoping so too. I'm sure you and the others on here know all too well the hell we go through. Thanks for the encouragement, the response and yes, those links would be great. Thanks very much.

Thanks Roxy, for the reassurance. Glad to hear, because you know how we like to doubt and worry "what if". As for how long I stay on, its funny you ask that.

My anxiety started in 2007 when I was having trouble trying to conceive and taking a boatload of hormone injections, so I attributed it to that, taking about 6 months in total until I found the right medicine after spending months trying to deny it was anxiety and swore it was something physical (seeing 3 gastro doctors for the stomach jitters, 2 endocrinologists for my dizziness/nausea, etc). Then after only 4 months on it, I weaned off slowly and never had any problems other than about 2 weeks of slight lightheadedness (for those who hear its hard to get off- it wasn't bad at all if you go very slow).

Then did the same thing the next time, getting off after only 6 months, thinking I felt better and didn't need it, but the anxiety came back a year later. The third time I did the same, only staying on it for like 3 months and after weaning off the anxiety came back in about 4 months.

So I finally realized (or so I thought) it was coming back bc I never gave it the time to set in since you always hear you have to do it a year or two. So I said I will do it this next time for a while 2-3 years to knock it out for good, so I took it 2 1/2 years and came off if successfully over a 6 months period. Sure enough after 7-8 months, the anxiety came back with a vengeance (after slowly creeping back in the form of dizziness one month, severe irritability the next, bad back pain the next), etc.

Sooooo, I now have sucked up my pride and realized I am one of those people who will probably need it forever. I had a hard time accepting that at first but I cannot keep going through life like this being miserable and homebound for months at a time. I will stay on the lex this time and hope it just never quits working on me. Sorry for the long answer- Im sure I could've cut that down, but I wanted to just show that I guess sometimes you cant fight it.

Maria,
No problem with the long post! Its good to know others past experiences....but I'm glad I was of some help...it will work just give it time...I felt that same way concerned on whether or not it was going to work for me or if I have to up a dosage... But thankfully it is doing the same job for me as before! Hang in there! When did you start lex this last time?

Are you going to any counseling?

M.K.

The more support and prayers the better!!

We are.glad you've joined us! :) :) :)

Talk to you soon.

S.C.

Ill be glad to answer any questions, as its my fifth time on it and almost feel like an expert. lol

Its actually the generic, and I try not to think about it (another thing to "worry" about-lol), because I know some have said that they can only use the brand name. But its always been the generic since the beginning, so I don't have anything to compare it to. And yes, if anyone has any questions or concerns about Lex, I will gladly share my experiences with it.